Susan Orlean Answers the SJP Lit Questionnaire
26 answers about libraries and why you must start reading Kate Atkinson
Susan Orlean is arguably best known for her love of libraries. This lifelong love led her to write about the largest fire in the history of the United States libraries. In The Library Book, Orlean investigates the near-death of the Los Angeles Public Library and the sustaining impact that the library had on its community. As she says, “seeing libraries flourish” sustains her hope to this day.
Lately, Susan has been providing guidance on sneakers, reflecting in her memoir Joyride, and telling everyone they must read Kate Atkinson! Read on for Susan’s reflections on vulnerability in her expansive career and what epic movie adaptation we need next.
Cats or dogs—why?
Can I say . . . both? Because I love them almost equally? But if I can’t, I’d say dogs, because dogs make sure you know they love you, whereas cats really don’t want you to think they do.
What’s a book that deeply affected you when you were younger?
Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test because it showed me how thrilling it could be to write nonfiction, and the thrill of being an observer.
What’s your favorite grocery store?
Epicurus, in North Hollywood, which carries the most exquisite version of every food you want, and has the BEST CHEESE.
What’s your favorite place to browse for books?
I love my local bookstores, BookStar (in LA) and Godmother’s (in Summerland, CA), but really, browsing for books anywhere is such a pleasure!
What word or phrase do you overuse?
“Really.” I really, really overuse it.
What’s your perfect three-day weekend?
Three days in the Santa Barbara area, eating great food, sleeping late, hiking, browsing the farmer’s market, seeing friends, walking on the beach, and maybe seeing a movie. Low-key and perfect.
Who is your favorite fictional couple?
Almásy and Katharine Clifton in The English Patient. Pure passion and pure heartbreak and so romantic and so doomed.
What fictional character would you like to have as a friend?
There are so many to choose among, but I would have to say Ursula Todd in Kate Atkinson’s brilliant Life After Life. To have a friend who keeps reliving her life would be fascinating.
Describe the tattoo you’d get tomorrow if you had to.
My son’s name, Austin, with a vine wrapped around it.
What’s the best party you’ve ever had?
My wedding! It was the most fun—not always the case with your own wedding—and so joyful. We had a gospel choir at the Explorers Club in New York City, which is the most amazing venue, and I think everyone had an incredible time.
Who’s a writer you’re in awe of?
Pat Barker. But so many others, too!
What work of classic literature would you want to adapt for film?
I would have said The Odyssey, but now that’s taken. So maybe we’re ready for The Iliad?
Who do you have to thank primarily for your love of reading?
My mom, absolutely. She loved reading, loved books, loved libraries, and made sure we realized how magical they all are. It worked.
What’s a book that broke your heart?
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. That’s my second Kate Atkinson shout-out, but she deserves all of them.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give your 24-year-old self?
Slow down and savor every moment.
What’s a book, film, or piece of music that you regularly revisit?
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen—all the different versions, but Jeff Buckley’s in particular. It’s transcendent.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love getting to feed my curiosity and learning about the world.
If you did something totally different, career-wise, what would it be?
I’d own a very cute clothing store that stocked all the clothes I love.
What book do you most often recommend to others?
People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry. It’s a harrowing but brilliant book that explores the complicated nature of Japanese culture, as well as being an irresistible crime story. I’ve recommended it to so many people, and they’ve all loved it.
How do you break patterns in your life?
I try to identify them and try to understand why I’m stuck in them. Then I try to replace them with a better pattern.
When have you felt the most vulnerable in your career?
My earliest days at The New Yorker were thrilling and also very high-stakes; I felt as if each sentence I wrote was deciding the path my career would take.
What’s inspiring you creatively right now?
I’m digging into a new book topic, and I’m thrilled by the experience of learning something new. It’s the thrill of discovery that always engages me.
What’s the best part of your morning routine?
When my dog wakes up, he reacts to seeing me as if it is the greatest thrill and surprise he’s ever experienced. His morning greeting never gets old.
How do you make yourself read and keep going, in light of screens and short attention spans?
I’ve begun listening to a lot of audiobooks, so that I can read much more, since it fills a lot of empty time (driving, usually). The more I read, the more I want to read. It’s like a muscle—it just works better if you use it more.
What’s a classic you’ve never gotten around to?
The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy. I’ve started it five times and never gotten past the first chapter. But I will keep trying!
What’s giving you hope?
Seeing libraries flourish. Talking to readers who are deeply engaged in books. Being around younger people who are excited about their lives. Feeling the love of my family and friends and knowing that’s the most important thing in the world.
Just like Susan Orlean, The SJP Lit team and Sarah Jessica Parker can’t get enough of libraries and librarians. So, we’d love to hear from you: What are your favorite memories in libraries? Drop a photo of your local library in the comments! Shout out a librarian who introduced you to your favorite book! You’ll be entered to win a stack of our SJP Lit titles for your own personal library.
No purchase necessary. Open to US residents 18+. Sweepstakes begins at 10:00 AM ET on 7/30/26 and ends at 10:59:59 AM ET on 8/4/26. To enter, share your recommendation in the comments. Limit one (1) entry per person. One (1) winner will be selected at random and notified via DM by SJP Lit on or about 8/5/26. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Zando, LLC. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Substack
I love all the summer reading programs at the local (and tri-county area) libraries each year, and wear my eye strain proudly. I have cards to twelve public libraries and use 'em all (albeit remotely for some)...
Rockville Center Library--really great librarians